DAY 15 – After a rest day yesterday it was back to business with two training sessions to get the players focused on the challenge ahead, by Neil Kilshaw.
In the shadows of the building site of Penrith Panthers’ new academy facility, the players ran through some decision making scenarios centring around converting chances into points followed by some defensive responsibilities.
After lunch the squad headed to Bondi for some sightseeing.
Now, ex-Saint Leon Pryce once said he’d rather go to Blackpool than Bondi and with today’s wind and rain it certainly felt like Blackpool!
Several lads weren’t to be deterred though with Brad Billsborough leading the charge for a body board! The staff made a brief appearance before retiring to the nearest coffee shop for a warm. A second training session late afternoon was then held with the picturesque view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in the background from Dover Heights.
After a long wait the much-anticipated Go Karting contest took place and was as eventful as ever.
Much to Josh Eaves’ devastation, Rob Fairclough took the award for best driver with Kevin Brown claiming the slowest, and definitely the worst driver award. To be fair to Kevin he stood no chance when he crashed in the starting pit lane due to not being able to steer and press the accelerator at the same time. Whilst the majority of drivers managed 17-18 laps, Kevin managed a pitiful 7!
Confusion and controversy surrounds the staff race.
Contrary to early reports on Twitter, Mike Rush finished a lowly sixth, just one place above Ian Talbot in last.
Both are now awaiting the chairman’s vote of confidence…
Reigning champion Derek Traynor approached the race with a touch of overconfidence that was bordering on arrogance and was forced into second place with Physio Jonny Skinner claiming the spoils.
He surprised everyone with the fastest lap and finally gaining some credit for his profession!
Much discussion continues into the night with Ste Leonard and Eric Chisnall facing allegations of race fixing…
A big day is planned tomorrow with the final game of the tour just three training days away.
